Bayern Munich have been linked with several defenders since the start of the season. The Bavarian club has also held talks with the representatives of Crystal Palace center-back Marc Guehi as part of their contingency plans in case Dayot Upamecano doesn’t sign a new deal.
Apart from Upamecano, there are question marks over the future of Kim Min-jae at Bayern. The South Korean defender had a difficult second half of last season. He was heavily linked with a move away from Bayern last summer, with the German club reportedly ready to sanction a departure.
Kim Min-jae also reportedly considered a move away from Munich since there was interest from Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, and Al-Nassr. He ended up staying at Bayern, but lost his spot in the starting XI. Jonathan Tah arrived from Bayer Leverkusen and ousted him from the starting lineup.
The South Korean defender may have a decision to make in the summer. Bayern may consider a sale since he has struggled for consistency in Munich, and his contract expires in 2028.
According to Turkish journalist Murat Zorlu (via iMiaSanMia), Fenerbahce are weighing up a move for Kim Min-jae if Bayern decide to listen to offers for him. The South Korean defender spent one season at the Turkish club before joining Napoli in 2022.
AC Milan are also showing interest in Kim Min-jae
Fenerbahce are not the only club showing concrete interest in Kim Min-jae. According to Gazetta Dello Sport (via SempreMilan), AC Milan are also interested in signing the South Korean defender. The 29-year-old is Milan’s preferred target to strengthen defense in January. However, they are aware that Bayern are not considering a sale in the winter.
Milan are weighing up other options in case they fail in their pursuit of Kim Min-jae. They may have to come up with a good offer for Bayern to consider a sale midway through the season.
The record Bundesliga champions will need a replacement to sanction the departure of Kim Min-jae. In an ideal scenario, Vincent Kompany and Bayern want to keep the squad intact for the second half of the season. Sacha Boey is the only player that Die Roten will allow to leave in January without signing a replacement.
Despite having a mixed spell at Bayern, Kim Min-jae will have enough suitors in the summer. A return to Italy will be ideal for the South Korean defender since he excelled in the league during his time at Napoli. It does feel like a departure from Bavaria will be better for all parties.